A major enforcement operation in Southend has uncovered a network of shopkeepers concealing illegal stock in cars and residential properties, with two vehicles used as mobile delivery units seized and destroyed.
Trading Standards officers, supported by Essex Police and specialist detection dogs, swooped on the city’s high street, confiscating £45,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, vapes and counterfeit toys. Investigators found that retailers were stashing products away from their shops in an attempt to evade detection, using vehicles to shuttle stock directly to customers and businesses.
The two vehicles identified as part of the network have since been crushed. Officers also removed large quantities of unsafe toys, including counterfeit Labubu and Pop Mart dolls, which failed to meet UK safety standards and will now be destroyed.
“Southend-on-Sea City Council will not tolerate illegal trading that puts public safety at risk and undermines honest local businesses,” Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said.
“Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to protect residents and ensure retailers meet their legal obligations. The seizure and destruction of these dangerous goods shows that commitment in action.”
Enforcement action is now under way and could result in fines, closure orders or criminal prosecutions.